The Office of the Director of Residential Tenancy (“Rental Office”) is responsible for the interpretation and administration of the Residential Tenancy Act. The Rental Office serves the public by:
- providing information to tenants and landlords on their rights and responsibilities under the Act
- providing information to the public about the Act and rental matters generally
- processing applications filed under the Act
- resolving rental disputes between tenants and landlords
- hearing rental disputes between landlords and tenants
- issuing written decisions after the rental hearing
- setting the amount that rent can increase each year
If there is an issue between a landlord and a tenant, they may file an Application, using the appropriate Form, in order to attempt to have that issue resolved with the assistance of the Rental Office. Often, this results in a Rental Hearing being scheduled.
When a Rental Hearing is scheduled, the landlord and tenant will have an opportunity to present their positions to a Rental Officer and submit any evidence that may support their position. After a Rental Hearing, the Rental Officer will make a decision and issue a written Order, which explains the results of the hearing to the landlord and tenant.
If a landlord and/or tenant is not satisfied with the decision made by the Rental Office, they may appeal the decision to the Commission.
Rental Hearings at the Rental Office are private. While the Order issued by the Rental Officer is posted on the Rental Website, all identifying information is removed.